Estimation of fatigue damage using system response based on mechanical model of polymer matrix composites

In this study, the fatigue damage of polymer matrix composites (PMC) is estimated quantitatively using the system response based on the mechanical model of PMC. In detail, the discrete equation of PMC is derived using a simplified mechanical model, and the fatigue test is performed. Moreover, the fatigue damage (i.e., transverse crack density) is examined and discussed in relation to the mechanical constants, the time series parameters and the response distribution. It is revealed that the fatigue damage of PMC can be fully estimated by using the time series parameters as well as the variance of strain distribution.